What does 次 mean in Chinese?

次 (cì) means "next in sequence; second; the second (day, time etc); secondary; vice-; sub-; infra-; inferior quality; substandard; order; sequence; hypo- (chemistry); classifier for enumerated events: time" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 2.

How do you pronounce 次?

次 is pronounced "cì" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone number is 4.

What HSK level is 次?

次 is an HSK 2 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 2 on both the old and the new exam.

What words contain the character 次?

Common words with 次 include 上次 (last time), 下次 (next time), 一次性 (one-off (offer)), 一次 (first), 三次 (third).

How do you write 次?

次 has 6 strokes. Its radical is 欠. You can view the stroke order animation on our stroke order tool.

次 (cì), next in sequence

次

cì

next in sequence; second; the second (day, time etc); secondary

HSK 2classifier6 strokes

Character Breakdown

次 = 冫 + 欠

Ice-cold yawning — once more, a time

Radical: 欠 (no. 76)Strokes: 6

View stroke order →

Definitions

(classifier) next in sequence
second
the second (day, time etc)
secondary
vice-
sub-
infra-
inferior quality
substandard
order
sequence
hypo- (chemistry)
classifier for enumerated events: time

Example Sentences

我去过北京三次。

Wǒ qùguo Běijīng sān cì

I've been to Beijing three times

Words Containing 次

Word	Pinyin	Meaning	HSK
上次	shàng cì	last time
下次	xià cì	next time
一次性	yī cì xìng	one-off (offer)	HSK 5
一次	yī cì	first
三次	sān cì	third

Related Words

亚(yà)· Asia

→

二婚(èr hūn)· to marry for the second time

→

二婚头(èr hūn tóu)· remarried lady (contemptuous term)

→

二次(èr cì)· second (i.e. number two)

→

Grammar Notes

Again: 又 vs 再HSK 3

又 + Verb (past repetition) / 再 + Verb (future repetition)

Topic-Comment StructureHSK 3

Topic，Comment (Subject + Verb + ...)

After All (毕竟)HSK 4

Statement, 毕竟 + Undeniable Fact/Reason

By Means Of (通过)HSK 4

通过 + Method/Channel + Verb Phrase

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 2
HSK 2.0: HSK 2
HSK Lord study list: HSK 1 list

次: HSK 2 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 2 exam

Studying for HSK 2? Keep 次 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each character comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 2 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.